WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today stressed the importance of a thoughtful approach to dealing with issues affecting natural gas during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on the topic.

“Without a doubt, the new technology that we’re seeing has enabled a natural gas boom that has changed our energy landscape and the outlook for our economy,” Murkowski said. “Natural gas is now an abundant, affordable, and clean source of energy, providing great opportunities for economic growth and energy security.”

A long list of studies published by organizations ranging from the National Intelligence Council to the International Energy Agency, have concluded that America’s energy export future is bright. Annual natural gas production numbers have repeatedly beat estimates and will soon eclipse consumption, resulting in a surplus that can be sold overseas, benefiting the U.S. economy and balance of trade.

Murkowski on Tuesday warned against placing unnecessary and burdensome government requirements on energy producers that could put this future at risk. Every state is unique and many have fine-tuned their own regulations.

“We should also be careful about intervening in efforts to export LNG. There is a long-established regulatory process for natural gas exports through the Department of Energy and through the FERC. This includes environmental review under NEPA,” Murkowski said. “Before re-inventing the wheel, we need to look at existing law and regulation and determine if and where there are deficiencies.”

Murkowski is the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.